Sandrine Upsets Albany

ASCOT, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND – Ignored at 17/1 in the stateside betting, Kirsten Rausing homebred Sandrine was a strong 1 1/2-length upset victor of Friday’s Albany Stakes (G3) at Ascot Racecourse.

Jockey David Probert piloted Sandrine to her second victory from as many starts, having won her debut last month in a 6-furlong dash over Kempton’s all-weather surface. Trained by Andrew Balding, the Bobby’s Kitten filly raced prominently down the center of the course before edging clear of Hello You, the 4/1 co-favorite.

“I bought this filly’s fifth or sixth dam as a yearling at Goffs in 1976 and the family has been with me ever since,” said Rausing, who also stands Bobby’s Kitten at Lanwades Stud. “All my animals are homebred, so it gives me tremendous pleasure to keep the continuity. I also tend to support my own stallions, and this filly is Bobby’s Kitten’s first stakes winner, first Group winner, so we are thrilled with that.”

Oscula and Prettiest were a 1/2-length and a short head behind, respectively. Cachet, Elliptic, Anadora, Sunstrike, Lady Ayresome, Eve Lodge, El Maga, Hellomydarlin, Flotus (the other co-favorite), Sows, and Gypsy Lady completed the order of finish in the race restricted to juvenile fillies.

Sandrine returned $37.40 to win and $11.40 to place. Hello You brought back $3.80 to place. Oscula paid $8 to place.